Mental health therapy is an essential investment in well-being, but it can be expensive depending on the type of therapy, provider, session length, and whether it’s in-person or online.
So, how much does mental health therapy cost? And what are the best affordable options? Let’s break it all down! 👇
💲 Average Cost of Therapy in the U.S.
Type of Therapy |
Cost Per Session (Without Insurance) |
Cost Per Session (With Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
In-Person Therapy (Licensed Therapist, Private Practice) |
$100 – $250 |
$20 – $80 copay |
Psychiatrist (Medication Management) |
$200 – $500 |
$30 – $150 copay |
Online Therapy (Talkspace, BetterHelp, etc.) |
$60 – $120 per week |
$10 – $50 copay (some plans) |
Sliding Scale Therapy (Income-Based Pricing) |
$30 – $100 |
❌ Not usually covered |
Community Mental Health Clinics |
Free – $50 |
✅ Often covered |
Group Therapy |
$30 – $80 |
✅ Often covered |
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) |
Free (Limited Sessions) |
✅ Fully covered |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Private in-person therapy costs $100 – $250 per session without insurance.
- Online therapy is cheaper ($60 – $120 per week) but varies by platform.
- Sliding scale and community clinics offer therapy for as low as $30 per session.
- Some employers provide free therapy through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
📍 Therapy Costs by U.S. City
City |
Average In-Person Therapy Cost |
|---|---|
New York, NY |
$200 – $350 per session |
Los Angeles, CA |
$150 – $300 per session |
Chicago, IL |
$120 – $250 per session |
Houston, TX |
$100 – $200 per session |
Miami, FL |
$100 – $200 per session |
Seattle, WA |
$150 – $250 per session |
💡 Pro Tip: Therapy costs are higher in big cities but may be cheaper in rural areas or through telehealth options.
🖥 Online Therapy Costs: Talkspace vs. BetterHelp vs. Cerebral
Online Therapy Platform |
Cost Per Month |
Live Video Sessions Included? |
Accepts Insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|
Talkspace |
$260 – $396 |
✅ Yes (On Higher Plans) |
✅ Some Plans |
BetterHelp |
$240 – $360 |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Cerebral |
$85 – $325 |
✅ Yes (Varies by Plan) |
✅ Some Plans |
Brightside |
$95 – $349 |
✅ Yes |
✅ Some Plans |
7 Cups |
Free (Text Support) or $150/month |
❌ No |
❌ No |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- BetterHelp & Talkspace are the most popular, costing $240 – $396 per month.
- Cerebral offers therapy + medication management, starting at $85 per month.
- 7 Cups provides free peer support, but therapy requires a $150/month subscription.
- Insurance may cover Talkspace or Cerebral, but BetterHelp does not accept insurance.
🏦 Therapy Costs With and Without Insurance
Insurance Type |
In-Person Therapy Cost |
Online Therapy Cost |
|---|---|---|
Private Insurance (Employer or Marketplace Plan) |
$20 – $80 copay |
$10 – $50 copay (some platforms) |
Medicare (Part B, Covers Psychiatry) |
$20 – $50 copay |
❌ Limited Coverage |
Medicaid (State Coverage Varies) |
Free – $10 per session |
✅ Often Covered |
No Insurance (Self-Pay) |
$100 – $250 per session |
$60 – $120 per week |
🔥 Pro Tip: If you have insurance, check for in-network therapists or use HSA/FSA accounts to cover therapy costs tax-free.
🧑⚕ Psychiatrist vs. Therapist: Cost Comparison
Provider |
What They Do |
Cost Per Session |
|---|---|---|
Therapist (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, etc.) |
Talk therapy, CBT, coping strategies |
$100 – $250 |
Psychologist (Ph.D. or PsyD) |
Specialized therapy, psychological testing |
$150 – $300 |
Psychiatrist (MD, Can Prescribe Medication) |
Medication management + therapy |
$200 – $500 |
💡 Psychiatrists are more expensive than therapists because they can prescribe medication. Many patients see both a therapist and psychiatrist.
🚀 Ways to Save Money on Therapy
💡 Here’s how to lower mental health therapy costs:
✅ Use a Sliding Scale Therapist – Many therapists offer reduced rates based on income.
✅ Try Online Therapy – It’s cheaper than in-person therapy, starting at $60 per week.
✅ Look for Free Support Groups – Organizations like NAMI, AA, and Mental Health America offer free mental health support groups.
✅ Check University Clinics – Many psychology programs offer low-cost therapy with supervised students.
✅ Use Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – Many workplaces offer free therapy sessions for employees.
✅ Use Open Path Collective – Offers therapy for as low as $30 – $60 per session for those who qualify.
💡 Example: A private therapist in NYC costs $200 per session, but a sliding-scale therapist through Open Path Collective may cost only $40 per session!
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Therapy Worth the Cost?
Therapy can be expensive, but it is an investment in your mental health. Whether you choose in-person therapy, online therapy, or a lower-cost alternative, affordable options exist.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ In-person therapy costs $100 – $250 per session, while online therapy costs $60 – $120 per week.
✅ Insurance can reduce therapy costs to $20 – $80 per session.
✅ Psychiatrists (for medication) are more expensive than therapists.
✅ Sliding scale therapy, community clinics, and employee programs offer lower-cost options.
✅ Online therapy services like Talkspace & BetterHelp are convenient and often cheaper than in-office visits.
💬 Have you tried therapy? Do you prefer in-person or online sessions? Drop a comment below! 👇
🚀 For real-world healthcare pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com!
